The two Myanmar men who were accused of murdering two British tourists in southern Thailand last month are being monitored to prevent possible suicide attempts, says the director of the prison where they are being held, according to Khaosod newspaper.
Chanin Liangsuwan, chief of Koh Samui District Prison, said, “I have instructed other inmates to monitor the two Burmese men. I am afraid they may commit suicide, because they show signs of stress.”
Chanin said, "They may be feeling guilty for the crime they have done."
The newspaper reports that the two suspects are being held in a general holding cell with other inmates, and that the wardens are said to be doing their best to keep the suspects under watch.
Concern has been expressed by rights groups and media that the investigation into the September 15 murder of Ms Hannah Witheridge, 23, and, Mr David Miller, 24, on a beach on the Thai island of Kao Tao may be flawed, and a leading Thai forensics expert has also spoken of her concerns. Rights groups have called for a free and fair investigation and trial following allegations that the suspects may be scapegoats. The police claim the investigation has been carried out correctly.
Witthaya Suriyawong, director of the Department of Corrections, told the media that this was a special case because they are charged with a serious crime, which carries a high penalty.
"Even the food they eat has to be checked thoroughly to prevent any incident. I also want officials to set up CCTVs and guards to monitor their safety when they sleep," he told Khaosod.
